Impatiens 2020 -- Give Them A Grow!

Imara Impatiens

It's 2020, a new decade, so may we finally plant impatiens?  Are Busy Lizzies back in business?  The answer is yes, as to Imara impatiens.

Since the  outbreak of the insidious downy mildew seven years ago, impatiens have been persona non grata in the garden. The resurgence of the disease year after year caused the busy lizzie to fall in popularity.

Imara Impatiens 2019

Last year Imara Impatiens were introduced into the U.S. market in limited quantities.  Flats were pricey--at my midwest farm market, the cost was about double the price of "ordinary" impatiens.

But these flowers performed well, mounding and filling in like their predecessors.  No sign of downy mildew.

Imara are indistinguishable from traditional impatiens.  Colors are limited, but that may change with the passage of time.

There was a bright side to downy mildew.  It caused gardeners to diversify and familiarize themselves with alternative blooms like begonia, coleus and vincas.

It's lovely to welcome back an old friend to the garden, while keeping the new close at hand.

Related posts:

Imara Impatiens Review 2019

Bye Bye Bizzie Lizzies - What to Plant Instead of Impatiens

Best Midwest Shade Annuals